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Ford, Chrysler, auto suppliers back state business program, Snyder says

LANSING (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder says Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Group LLC and several auto suppliers are supporting the Pure Michigan Business Connect program, which encourages Michigan companies to do business with each other.

Snyder's office announced the automakers' participation Tuesday as he toured the North American International Auto Show.

The program involves the Michigan Economic Development Corp., state agencies and businesses, and offers networking opportunities for purchasers and suppliers of goods and capital.

Snyder says having Ford and Chrysler on board will open the way for Michigan-based auto suppliers to make millions of dollars' worth of additional sales every year.

Tony Brown is group vice president of global purchasing for Ford. He says the program particularly offers opportunities for doing more business with suppliers owned by minorities, women and veterans.